Bikes on the 'T' Bikes on the 'T' is a group of Boston area cyclists who have organized to focus support for bicycle access to the MBTA subway and commuter rail lines.
Proposed Bicycle Access Program |
during commuter rush hours; (2) bicycles allowed on the last car of the trains only; (3) individual permits required for bicycle access to the 'T'.
Interactions with the |
focused on safety, crowding, and enforcement. We responded by describing in detail how these concerns have been addressed in existing bicycle access programs.
The most interesting outcome of this meeting was the assertion by the MBTA
representatives that they have already launched a new in- house study of
the feasibility of bicycle access. We will be keeping track of the MBTA's
internal discussions as best we can. Our primary concern and demand is that
the 'T' seriously consider the existing programs in the cities mentioned,
and determine in detail the degree to which this experience can be applied
to Boston's MBTA.
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Boston 'T' Party Rally and Race | What You Can Do | |
Over 60 cyclists came to Waterfront Park on Saturday, October 20, 1984
to have a Boston 'T' party, race, sing and generally champion the cause
of Bikes on the 'T'.
Sally on the 'T' (sung to the tune of "Charlie on the MTA")
Let me tell you the story of a gal named Sally
Sally wants to take her bike to Malden and Braintree,
Chorus
Npw if Sally lived in San Francisco or Atlanta,
Chorus
Now you citizens of Boston, you who love your city,
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There were speeches and a spirited sing-along of a new version of "Charlie
on the MTA," called "Sally on the 'T'." We re-enacted the first tea party
by throwing 'T'-bags ('T' passes in ziplock bags) into the harbor to protest
the unresponsiveness of 'T' management. We also held a three-way race across
Boston Harbor to determine the fastest way to get to East Boston. Bikes in
canoes competed against cyclists riding the circuitous route through Chelsea,
Everett, and Charlestown, while a third group took a folding bike, wooden
bike, and bike in a bag on the Blue Line.
The rally was a success in many ways. We introduced our position to the
public. The press and local politicians have commented that our proposals
are reasonable and well thought out. And on top of that, everyone had a
great time while we showed how committed this coalition is to winning the
right to take our bikes on the 'T'.
AND THE WINNER IS...cyclist Doug Mink puts his folding bike into a canoe.
A group riding the 'T' got to East Boston well before the cyclists who rode
the circuitous route around the Harbor. But, in a surprising upset, Mink
paddled to victory, beating both groups! Maybe we should be working for
bikes on canoes instead??!!
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We need help in many ways:
Write a letter. It is important to keep the pressure on politicians and the 'T'. Letters to your state senators, state representative, and James O'Leary (the 'T' general manager) are all helpful. Phone calls are even better. |